GIRLS are being urged to get vaccinated against cervical cancer at a clinic in Honiton or Axminster.

GIRLS are being urged to get vaccinated against cervical cancer at a clinic in Honiton or Axminster.

The NHS Devon's director of public health has called for girls to have the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine in a bid to protect them against the disease.

Dr Virginia Pearson said: "Cervical cancer is one of the biggest killers of women in their 30s, so I urge all girls to get protected at an early age.

"Infection with some types of PHYV can cause abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells, which can lead to cervical cancer.

"Almost one in every 100 women develops cervical cancer and more than 1,000 women die from it each year in the UK.

"It is the most preventable form of cancer, yet it is still the second biggest cancer killer of women aged 30-34 years in the UK."

The clinics are open to all girls between the age of 12 and 18 who have yet to begin or complete their HPV vaccination course.

Girls need to have had all three doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. The HPV vaccination is generally given in schools and consists of three injections that are given over a six-month period

But NHS Devon is running clinics for girls who, for whatever reason, failed to get a vaccination in school.

All clinics are by appointment only. To book or for further advice, call 01392 208 469.

Sessions are, Honiton:

February 10, 5pm to 8pm;

June 9, 5pm to 8pm.

In Axminster:

February 22, 5pm to 8pm;

June 14, 5pm to 8pm.